Discover the surprising truth: Should professionals really start their day with tea or coffee?

Health & Diet

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May 23, 2023

Coffee has become an integral part of the lives of working professionals, transcending from a mere beverage to a symbol of productivity and trendiness. In the fast-paced world we live in, where time is a precious commodity, coffee has emerged as a lifeline that working professionals can’t do without. It’s no longer just a morning ritual or a pick-me-up; it has become a necessity, an essential source of energy and focus. Coffee has seamlessly blended into the fabric of our daily routines, evolving into more than just a functional drink. It has become a fashion statement, with trendy coffee shops and aesthetically pleasing latte art taking social media by storm. The allure of coffee extends beyond its caffeine content. It has become a trend, with an array of specialty brews, artisanal blends, and unique brewing methods captivating the taste buds of coffee enthusiasts.

However, like any other indulgence, coffee has its pros and cons.

On the positive side, coffee can enhance alertness, improve focus, and boost productivity. It stimulates the central nervous system, providing a surge of energy and reducing the feeling of fatigue. Coffee also contains antioxidants that may offer some health benefits. On the other hand, excessive coffee consumption can lead to dependency, disrupted sleep patterns, and potential digestive issues. Each individual’s body reacts differently to coffee, with some experiencing increased heart rate or jitteriness.

How Does Coffee React to Your Body Early in the Morning?

Tea or coffee consumed in the morning can provide an energy boost due to their caffeine content.

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, enhancing alertness and combating sleepiness.

Coffee has a stimulating effect on the digestive system, potentially promoting bowel movements.

Tea and coffee may have a mild diuretic effect, leading to increased urination.

Caffeine can improve mood, concentration, and cognitive performance.

It can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure, but these effects are usually mild.
Caffeine’s effects can linger in the body, affecting sleep if consumed too close to bedtime.

Cons of Coffee on Body

Excessive Consumption: Consuming excessive amounts of coffee can lead to negative effects on metabolism.

Added Ingredients: Be cautious of adding excessive sweeteners, creams, or syrups to your coffee. These additions can contribute to calorie intake and potentially lead to weight gain or metabolic imbalances.

Dependency and Tolerance: Regularly relying on coffee for an energy boost may lead to caffeine dependence. Over time, your body may build up tolerance, requiring higher amounts of caffeine to achieve the same effects. This can disrupt natural metabolic functioning.

Blood Sugar and Insulin Response: Some studies suggest that caffeine consumption can affect blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. This can impact how the body metabolizes carbohydrates and regulates glucose levels.

Individual Sensitivity: Every individual’s response to coffee can vary. Some people may be more sensitive to caffeine, experiencing increased heart rate or anxiety, which can indirectly affect metabolism.

Balanced Approach: It’s important to maintain a balanced approach to coffee consumption. Pairing it with a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress management is key for overall metabolic health.

What’s the Best Time to Consume Tea/Coffee?

The best time to drink tea or coffee depends on individual preferences and lifestyle factors. For many people, a cup of coffee in the morning provides a much-needed energy boost to kickstart the day. The caffeine content can help increase alertness and focus. However, it’s important to be mindful of potential sleep disturbances if consumed too late in the day. Tea, on the other hand, offers a range of options with varying caffeine levels. Some people enjoy a cup of tea in the morning as a gentler alternative to coffee, while others prefer it throughout the day. Herbal teas, which are caffeine-free, are a great choice in the evening when seeking relaxation. Ultimately, the best time to enjoy tea or coffee is when it aligns with personal taste preferences and doesn’t interfere with sleep patterns or daily activities.

Best Alternatives for Tea/Coffee

Herbal teas: Herbal teas are made from herbs, flowers, and fruits, and they come in a wide variety of flavors. Examples include chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus, and rooibos. Herbal teas are typically caffeine-free and can be enjoyed throughout the day.
Green tea: Green tea contains caffeine but in lower amounts compared to coffee. It is known for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. Green tea can be enjoyed hot or cold and comes in various flavors.
Matcha: Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that has gained popularity for its unique taste and high concentration of antioxidants. It provides a calm energy boost due to its caffeine content.
Decaffeinated coffee: If you enjoy the taste of coffee but want to reduce your caffeine intake, decaffeinated coffee is an option. It undergoes a process to remove most of the caffeine while retaining the flavor.
Chai: Chai is a spiced tea typically made with black tea, milk, and a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. It offers a flavorful and aromatic alternative to regular tea or coffee.
Hot chocolate: Hot chocolate is a comforting and indulgent beverage made from cocoa powder or melted chocolate mixed with milk or water.
Fruit-infused water: For those who prefer non-caffeinated options, fruit-infused water is a refreshing choice. Simply add slices of fruits like citrus, berries, or cucumber to water and let it infuse for a flavorful and hydrating drink.

Zomato reports 72% of cash-on-delivery orders paid with INR 2,000 notes since RBI announcement

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May 22, 2023

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Zomato, the leading food delivery service, revealed that an impressive 72% of cash on delivery users paid for their orders with INR 2,000 notes since Friday.

On Monday, Zomato tweeted, “since friday, 72% of our cash on delivery orders were paid in ₹2000 notes”.

since friday, 72% of our cash on delivery orders were paid in ₹2000 notes pic.twitter.com/jO6a4F2iI7
— zomato (@zomato) May 22, 2023

The disclosure follows the recent announcement by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on May 19 regarding the phased withdrawal of INR 2,000 denomination notes from circulation by September 30. In response to the announcement, there has been a surge among Indians to dispose of their INR 2,000 currency notes.

Despite the ongoing withdrawal process, the central bank has clarified that INR 2,000 notes will remain as legal tender.

The RBI has also stated that the public has the option to deposit INR 2,000 banknotes into their bank accounts or exchange them for banknotes of different denominations at any bank branch.

On Twitter, users shared Zomato’s tweet and added their own perspectives. One user humorously commented, “Queuing up outside ATMs is so 2016.”

Another user tagged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and said, “@nsitharamanoffc, now you know where to look for all the rest of the missing 2000 rupees notes.”

Following the RBI’s announcement, Zomato playfully took a jab at the development, stating, “kids: exchange ₹2000 note at bank, adults: order cash on delivery and give ₹2000 note, legends: never had ₹2000 note”.

kids: exchange ₹2000 note at bank
adults: order cash on delivery and give ₹2000 note
legends: never had ₹2000 note
— zomato (@zomato) May 19, 2023

On November 8, 2016, during a televised address at 8 pm, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the demonetisation of INR 500 and INR 1,000 banknotes, effective from midnight. To replace these high-denomination notes, the central bank introduced the INR 2,000 banknote, necessitating banks to recalibrate their ATMs to accommodate the new size.

The central bank ceased printing INR 2,000 notes in 2018-19. The total value of INR 2,000 banknotes in circulation has decreased to INR 3.62 lakh crore, accounting for just 10.8% of the total notes in circulation as of the end of March. At its highest point in March 2018, the denomination’s total value in circulation reached INR 6.73 lakh crore.

DrinkPrime’s growth rate soars, secures Tracxn’s ‘Emerging Startup Awards 2023’ accolade

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May 22, 2023

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DrinkPrime, an IoT-enabled water purifier on subscription, has been recognized as one of the leading online rental tech startups in Tracxn’s ‘Emerging Startup Awards 2023’.

It has achieved this recognition in the ‘Minicorns’ category, which represents early-stage companies with the potential to become unicorns in the future. This acknowledgment reinforces DrinkPrime’s status as a fast-growing disruptor in the industry and showcases its dedication to delivering innovative solutions that improve the lives of its subscribers.

DrinkPrime, backed by notable investors such as Omidyar Network India, Sequoia Surge, and 9 Unicorns, experienced a remarkable growth rate of 330% last year. Tracxn’s selection process, which considers factors like market size, investment, execution excellence, and future growth potential, recognized DrinkPrime’s outstanding performance.

Vijender Reddy Muthyala, Co-Founder and CEO, DrinkPrime, said, “We are incredibly honoured to receive Tracxn’s Top Online Rental Tech Startup Award. Our mission is to provide clean, safe and healthy drinking water to all. We knew from the beginning that subscription is the way to improve secure drinking water access in India. We provided five crore litres of safe drinking water to our one lakh+ users in 2022. In the upcoming years, we look forward to making it accessible and affordable to 70% of India using IoT and our subscription model.”

DrinkPrime was established to tackle the issue of obtaining clean and safe drinking water. They recognized that a significant portion of the water sold in plastic cans is unsuitable for consumption, and fewer than 10% of Indians own a water purifier. Motivated by the scale of the problem, DrinkPrime began their mission seven years ago. Today, they serve over one lakh users across seven cities, ensuring they have reliable access to clean and safe drinking water.

DrinkPrime’s commitment to utilizing IoT technology in their pursuit of making safe drinking water accessible in India has garnered recognition from Tracxn. This Bengaluru-based startup continues to impress with their consistent efforts, adding over 4000 subscribers every month. By harnessing the power of the Internet of Things (IoT), DrinkPrime moves closer to their mission of ensuring clean, safe, and healthy drinking water for all.

FSSAI assessing WHO’s red flag on sugar substitutes, potential impact on sales of diet and no-sugar products

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May 22, 2023

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According to WHO's statement, non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) are not essential components of the diet and lack nutritional value. (Representative Image)

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is evaluating the recent guideline issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). The guideline highlights that non-sugar sweeteners such as aspartame and stevia do not aid in weight loss and may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

“Our scientific panel is examining and evaluating the WHO guideline in detail,” a spokesperson of the national foods regulator said.

Non-sugar sweeteners are commonly used by prominent Indian brands of soft drinks, breakfast cereals, ice creams, and juices as purported “healthy” alternatives to sugar.

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Kellogg, and Dabur, which promote products such as Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Pepsi Black, Special K, and Chyawanprakash as “low-calorie options,” have declined to comment on the matter.

According to executives, the implementation of similar guidelines in India could have a substantial impact on the sales of various products, including aerated drinks, ice creams, cookies, chyawanprash, confectionery, and artificial sweeteners like Sugar Free, which are marketed as healthier alternatives for cooking.

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“If the FSSAI makes any labelling change about mentioning warnings on products containing non-sugar sweeteners, it will definitely impact consumption of diet and no-sugar foods and drinks, as now consumers do read labels and contents regularly,” said RS Sodhi, President of the Indian Dairy Association, Adviser to Reliance Retail and former Managing Director of dairy brand Amul.

Health groups have hailed the decision as long-awaited, emphasizing the importance of educating consumers about the usage of non-sugar sweeteners. They believe this step is crucial, especially as the demand for such food and beverage products has been rising due to growing health consciousness.

Ashim Sanyal, Chief Operating Officer of Consumer Voice, called on FSSAI to adopt the WHO recommendations and impose a “restrictive use only” formulation regulation on such products. “The myth has been busted about the benefits of artificial sweeteners which are extensively used as a body fitness formula,” said the head of the consumer rights group.

To date, the FSSAI has not imposed any limitations on the utilization of sweeteners in India. However, this development coincides with the regulator’s proposal to enforce front-of-pack labeling on packaged foods, indicating the salt, sugar, and fat content.

In India, the demand for diet and no-sugar beverages and food products has been witnessing double-digit growth, fueled by extensive marketing efforts by companies. Zydus Wellness, the manufacturer of Sugar Free, has previously stated in interviews that their artificial sweetener brand has experienced double-digit growth, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, as consumers increasingly reduce their sugar consumption.

The World Health Organization (WHO), referring to the guideline as “conditional,” stated that it is one among several existing and upcoming guidelines related to healthy diets.

“Replacing free sugars with non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) does not help with weight control in the long term,” Francesco Branca, WHO director for nutrition and food safety, said in a detailed note released by the health organisation on May 15. “People need to consider other ways to reduce free sugars intake, such as consuming food with naturally occurring sugars, like fruit, or unsweetened food and beverages.”

According to the statement, non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) are not essential components of the diet and lack nutritional value.

“People should reduce the sweetness of the diet altogether, starting early in life, to improve their health,” Branca said in the note, available on WHO’s website.

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that their recommendations are grounded in available evidence and encompass a wide range of sweeteners, both synthetic and natural, such as aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and stevia.

Amazon Fresh expands presence in India, now serving 60 cities with fresh food delivery

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May 22, 2023

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Amazon Fresh, on Monday, declared its expansion to 60 cities in India and reiterated its commitment to delivering fresh and high-quality fruits and vegetables.

The ecommerce giant’s grocery delivery service in India offers an assortment of fruits, vegetables, chilled products, baby care items, personal care products, and pet care goods. Customers enjoy free shipping on orders worth INR 249 or more, and deliveries are fulfilled within the same day or the next day.

According to Srikant Sree Ram, Head of Amazon Fresh, the quick commerce division of Amazon expanded its presence to 50 cities last month, as reported by The Hindu Businessline.

Srikant Sree Ram further stated that more than half of Amazon Fresh’s customer base comprises individuals from Tier II and III markets, including Chandigarh, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kochi. These markets play a crucial role for Amazon Fresh’s operations.

“With this expansion, customers across India can purchase high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables delivered to them at their doorstep. We have seen good demand for seasonal products like mangoes and summer essentials this season and will continue to remain laser-focused on providing our growing customer base across the country the best online shopping experience,” Srikant Sree Ram said in a statement.

In the past three years, the quick commerce sector has experienced significant growth, with major players such as BigBasket, Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, and Zepto securing substantial funding. However, this sector is known for its slim profit margins, making it a capital-intensive venture that requires substantial cash flow.

In their pursuit of profitability, quick commerce firms are undertaking significant measures. Reliance-owned JioMart ceased its express delivery operations last month, and Ola, a mobility firm, shut down Ola Dash in June of the previous year.

Meanwhile, Swiggy’s Instamart, Zomato’s Blinkit, and Bigbasket’s BBNow, among other similar businesses, are exploring strategies to minimize losses. They aim to boost order values and extend delivery timelines in order to improve profitability.

Last month, Zepto, a startup backed by Y Combinator, made a notable move by appointing Ramesh Bafna, the former CFO of Zilingo, as its CFO. With this strategic hire, Zepto expressed its intentions to prepare for an initial public offering (IPO) within the next two to three years.

Zomato’s CFO projects unchanged average order values in the food delivery sector for the next year

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May 22, 2023

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The food delivery sector is expected to experience unchanged average order values (AOV) over the next year, as projected by Zomato’s CFO, Akshant Goyal, even with steady food inflation.

Zomato’s average order value (AOV) has seen a slight increase over the past year, growing by 2 percent from INR 398 in FY22 to INR 407 in FY23. This growth occurred despite fluctuations in the food inflation index, which ranged between 4.2 percent and 8.2 percent during that period.

“Inflation has been pretty range bound for the last few months, but I think AOV is still strong and if at all, trending upwards. So at this point, it feels like if you look forward to next year, you don’t expect the AOVs to fall. Maybe they will remain flat,” Goyal said in a post-earnings call with analysts.

In the March quarter, Zomato experienced a decline of around 1 percent in the gross order value of its food delivery business, amounting to INR 6,569 crore. This decrease can be attributed to both the industry-wide slowdown and Zomato’s withdrawal from 225 cities in the preceding quarter.

According to Zomato’s earnings report for the March quarter, the average monthly transacting users (MTUs) decreased sequentially from 17.4 million to 16.6 million.

Zomato’s management attributed the decline in average monthly transacting users (MTUs) to the reintroduction of its loyalty program, known as Zomato Gold, during the quarter.

“Because of Zomato Gold, actually the MTU number has come down and not gone up. We are seeing an impact of clubbing some orders in the same households which might have just a single membership. Zomato Gold, in fact, we think has led to a reduction in MTUs and not an increase. While the order frequency goes up, the number of people ordering typically goes down,” Goyal explained on the call.

In response to a question regarding Zomato’s average commission from restaurants, the company expressed its expectation of an increasing take-rate in the future. Zomato believes that as eateries recognize more value from their partnership with the food delivery platform, the average commission is likely to rise.

“We want the commission rates to be competitive and we still think we are lower than what the competition is charging. So, I think as we continue to add more value to restaurant businesses, we expect some improvement in commission revenue going forward,” said Goyal.

According to Zomato’s regulatory filing, the company’s revenue from operations amounted to INR 2,056 crore, reflecting a significant increase of 69.66 percent compared to INR 1,211.8 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

During the March quarter, Zomato reported that its business, excluding quick commerce, achieved positive adjusted EBITDA. The food delivery segment played a significant role, contributing INR 78 crore in EBITDA. Zomato also outlined its objective of attaining positive adjusted EBITDA and PAT on a consolidated basis, including quick commerce, within the next four quarters.

Zomato’s Co-founder, Deepinder Goyal, stated that the company plans to achieve its goal by boosting profits in the food delivery business and minimizing losses in the quick commerce (Blinkit) business.

Bonn Group unveils nutrient-rich millet-based bread, redefining healthy bakery choices in India

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May 22, 2023

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Bonn Group of Industries, a leading FMCG manufacturer in India, has launched a lineup of bakery products known as Bonn Millet. These include Millet Bread, Millet Pizza, and Millet Burger, packed with the goodness of Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi. These nutrient-rich superfoods offer essential benefits and are a healthy source of nourishment.

With their brand tagline “Go Healthy With Millets,” Bonn Group of Industries has taken a proactive step to support the International Millets Year and the Indian government’s Millet Mission. Their initiative involves introducing a diverse range of millet-based bread and bakery products, aimed at promoting millets and offering Indians a nutrient-rich diet.

Speaking on the launch, Amrinder Singh, Director, Bonn Group of Industries said, “Our brand’s objective has always been to provide naturally healthy bread and bakery products that have multiple health benefits. The year being declared as International Millet Year by WHO has given brands like us yet another opportunity to introduce something healthy like Millet bread for our consumers that is cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free, a source of protein, is good for digestion, contains high fiber and helps people achieve and maintain a healthy weight, low in GI. The launch gives a fresh perception of the values and character represented by our products. The product has been developed after extensive consumer research and we are confident that it will soon be the preferred choice in its category amongst all healthy snack lovers.”

Dawinder Pal, Marketing Head, Bonn Group said, “The launch of Millet bread and bakery products is in conjunction with Bonn’s Mission Millet initiative. With Mission Millet, we have embarked on a journey to build a culture of millet consumption through an exciting range of product portfolio. The new millet products are an integral step towards that mission. We believe that these millet bakery items will not only satisfy the taste buds of our consumers but also have nutrients.”

Bonn Millet Bread is priced at INR 50 for a 300g pack. Bonn Millets Pizza base comes in a 200g pack, priced at INR 50, while the burger pack weighs 160g and is priced at INR 30. These products will be available in select outlets in Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and Chandigarh.

The bakery industry in India, being a significant segment of the food processing sector, presents vast opportunities for growth, innovation, and job creation, aligning with the brand’s primary objectives.

Vahdam CEO urges India to capitalize on high-quality tea by promoting indigenous brands

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May 22, 2023

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Vahdam CEO Bala Sarda, speaking on International Tea Day, urged India to move beyond tea supply and start selling its high-quality tea under indigenous labels. He highlighted the success of foreign brands in capitalizing on this opportunity and emphasized the need for India to follow suit.

Sarda, whose homegrown tea company is making waves internationally with endorsements from notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Degeneres, and Mariah Carey, expressed his disappointment that there are more European brands selling Darjeeling tea and American brands selling Chai worldwide than Indian brands.

“I think we as consumers have always trusted origin products. For example, wine from France and whiskey from Scotland. But for some reason, European brands are selling more Darjeeling tea, and American brands are selling more Chai than any Indian brand was even doing remotely.

“For India to be recognised as a country, which is trusted, which is a superpower we need global brands to come out of India… I think it is just about taking Indian teas through an Indian brand and you know, convincing consumers to have that,” he said.

For the unversed, India holds the distinction of being the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of tea. It commands a significant presence in the global tea industry, accounting for nearly 25-28 percent of the world’s tea production and contributing approximately 10-12 percent to global tea exports.

Sarda noted that despite India’s potential to lead the multi-billion dollar global tea market, the absence of indigenous brands has resulted in the country exporting tea as a “commodity” at meager profit margins. This has allowed foreign importers to package and sell the tea at significantly higher margins, benefiting from the value addition that Indian brands have missed out on for a long time.

With the introduction of brands like Vahdam and others, Sarda highlighted that India is now able to retain the value that was previously being directed to foreign nations.

“You know the average tea export price is nothing more than four and a half dollars per kg. We at Vahdam sell to consumers at multiple times higher price points per kg. And it’s not that consumers were anyways not paying for that. Just the only difference because of a brand like us is that value is retained in India, versus that value which was being spread out in a foreign land,” he explained.

As a fourth-generation entrepreneur with a family legacy of tea retailing and exporting spanning 90 years, Sarda draws inspiration from Sri Lanka and advocates for India to adopt similar strategies to enhance its tea industry.

Sarda pointed out that Sri Lanka, ranked among the top five global tea producers, experienced a similar predicament in the 1980s. However, the rise of local brands like Dilmah and others turned the tide as they took control of the situation and began selling their indigenous tea worldwide.

“I think Sri Lanka is a great example. In the 1980s, they were also exporting their tea as a commodity and all the value was being retained by foreign brands who would take Sri Lankan tea. Later, a plethora of brands came up and took charge and promoted Sri Lankan tea packed in Sri Lanka from Sri Lanka. This helped the industry massively and now the Srilankan tea industry is one of the highest contributors to their GDP,” he said.

Vahdam, with a majority of its business originating from the United States, Canada, and select European countries, currently serves over four million customers in more than 130 countries through its global shipping operations.

Swiggy’s Instamart launches ‘Instacafe’ to diversify and boost profits

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May 22, 2023

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Swiggy’s Instamart has entered the cafe market with ‘Instacafe’, mirroring its rival Zepto’s ‘Zepto Cafe’ launch. This strategic move aims to boost Swiggy Instamart’s profitability by capitalizing on higher-margin items, diverging from its core grocery delivery business.

According to a spokesperson from Swiggy Instamart, Instacafe offers a range of pre-made snacks such as puffs, sandwiches, baos, coffee, cookies, tarts, croissants, and more. These items can be added to customers’ Instamart carts alongside their grocery orders, resembling the convenience of pre-made food available in supermarkets.

Swiggy Instamart’s continuous expansion includes the recent launch of its own private brands, followed by venturing into electronics and mobile accessories. The addition of Instacafe further expands their offerings. By diversifying into additional categories, Swiggy aims to increase the average order value and ultimately improve profit margins per order.

A spokesperson from Swiggy Instamart responded to queries, stating, “Buying pre-made food and snacks along with groceries in-store is fairly common. Instamart’s Instacafe is a similar online food counter with fast-moving snacks that are great additions to the grocery baskets of users and are delivered in minutes along with other items on Instamart. Instacafe has been live in a couple of locations on Instamart since last year.”

An insider familiar with the company’s plans revealed that Instacafe, which underwent initial trials in specific areas of Hyderabad last year and subsequently expanded to Bengaluru in March this year, is now actively considering the inclusion of more items to its menu.

As of now, Instacafe is in the pilot stage and features approximately 60 stock-keeping units (SKUs) or items. These items are exclusively available in select locations, including Bommanahalli and Bellandur in Bengaluru, as well as a few areas in Hyderabad.

The individuals cited explained that at present, the majority of food items on Instacafe are unbranded. These items are sourced directly by the dark store managers who are assigned to service specific locations.

The contrasting approach between Instacafe and Zepto Cafe lies in their sourcing methods. Instacafe procures unbranded food items directly from dark store managers, whereas Zepto Cafe buys branded snacks in bulk from brands and distributes them to dark stores for customer sales. Zepto Cafe has already formed partnerships with renowned brands like Blue Tokai and Chaayos, enabling them to provide a wider range of menu options with standardized offerings.

Despite concerns of cannibalizing Swiggy’s core business, the person mentioned maintains that Instacafe primarily focuses on quick snacks rather than full meals. Zepto has also reiterated its stance of not venturing into food delivery.

However, both Zepto Cafe and Instacafe are increasingly offering larger meal options on their menus. Zepto Cafe now serves Thai Red Curry with steamed basmati rice, while Instacafe provides choices like chicken fried rice for customers seeking a more substantial meal.

Startups in the delivery industry are under pressure from stakeholders, including founders and investors, who are questioning their business models that prioritize speedy delivery. Analysts have observed that as a response, these companies are seeking to expand their offerings with higher-margin items in order to increase the average order value.

Nevertheless, Zomato and Ola had previously attempted a similar approach but experienced minimal success. Zomato, for instance, conducted a pilot for 10-minute food delivery of comparable items but decided to discontinue the service earlier this year. Similarly, Ola offered quick-commerce service Ola Dash, providing items like pizza and rolls within 10 minutes in Bengaluru, but eventually closed it down in June 2022.

Recent data indicates a downward trajectory in the average order value (AOV) for quick-commerce companies. Blinkit, owned by Zomato, reported in its FY23 results that the AOV declined to INR 522 in Q4FY23, compared to INR 553 in Q3FY23, INR 568 in Q2FY23, and even dropping below INR 528 in Q1FY23.

During a recent announcement, Swiggy’s Co-Founder and CEO, Sriharsha Majety, revealed that the company’s food-delivery division had achieved profitability on an adjusted EBITDA basis. He further mentioned that as a result, Swiggy would reduce its investment in Instamart going forward.

“As our investments in food delivery are starting to pay off successfully, we’re also very excited about the trajectory of our quick-commerce business, Instamart. We pioneered and built this category from the ground up, and have made disproportionate investments in Instamart given the attractiveness of the consumer proposition and its strategic importance to us…The peak of our investments is behind us…we’re on track to hit contribution neutrality for this 3-year-old business in the next few weeks,” Majety said.

Assam dairy cooperative, WAMUL, expands beyond milk with ‘Purabi Honey’ launch

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May 22, 2023

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Assam’s dairy cooperative, WAMUL, has launched honey under its ‘Purabi’ brand, sourced from a local beekeeper. They have also supported the establishment of the first FPO, Naba Milon Beekeepers and Producer’s Cooperative Society Ltd, in Kamrup.

The launch of the honey took place on May 20 at the College of Agriculture in Waraseoni, Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh. This special event was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, to commemorate World Bee Day.

Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, was present at the ceremony and inaugurated the event.

During the program, Meenesh Shah, the Chairman of NDDB, emphasized the significant role played by WAMUL in establishing the Honey Farmers’ Producer Organization (FPO) in Kamrup district.

“West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited (Purabi Dairy), the largest dairy in the Northeast region of our country, formed a Honey FPO in Kamrup district of Assam as a CBBO. The raw honey produced by the farmers of this FPO will be procured, processed and marketed by the milk union as ‘Purabi Honey’.”

As part of the government’s 10,000 FPO initiative, the launch of ‘Purabi Honey’ occurred alongside other honey brands produced by various CBBOs across India. WAMUL has been entrusted with the development of the honey FPO in Kamrup Rural, and Naba Milon Bee Producers stands as a successful FPO established under this initiative.

SK Parida, the General Manager of WAMUL, highlighted that the Purabi brand, which is renowned for its high-quality dairy products promoting good health, has now expanded its portfolio with the addition of Purabi Honey. This new offering aligns with the brand’s commitment to promoting good health and well-being. Additionally, the cooperative network provides a valuable opportunity to boost farmers’ income through honey production.

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